10 Best Things To Do In Hertford, England

1. Enjoy a leisurely walk at Hartham Common

Hartham Common is a 48.7-acre (19.7-hectare) public space that offers various recreational facilities for adults and kids. Take a stroll along the riverside to enjoy scenic views, do some wildlife spotting, and see cattle-grazed meadows. Other facilities include a swimming pool, skatepark, football fields, tennis courts, gym, and picnic areas. There are two well-appointed playgrounds for older and younger children where they can enjoy running around. With lots of safe parking space available, you can come in your car for an easier time moving around with children. Have fun spending a day at this family-oriented spot.

Hartham Common

Address: Hertford SG13 7AH, United Kingdom

Website: Hartham Common

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6:30am - 10pm; Fri: 6:30am - 9pm; Sat: 7am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

2. Admire the beauty of nature at Panshanger Park

Explore 988 acres (400 hectares) of the spectacular countryside when you visit this park that features restored land that used to be mineral extraction sites. With wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, this park is home to diverse flora and fauna. Hiking trails will take you through veteran oak trees, Osprey Lake, River Mimram, Mimram Valley, the site of the demolished Panshanger House, and ruins of the orangery. Have fun spotting birds such as kingfishers, migrating osprey, and wildfowl. Other faunas include dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, and cattle grazing on the grasslands. Appreciate nature at its best while at Panshanger Park.

Panshanger Park

Address: Thieves Ln, Hertford SG14 2WN, United Kingdom

Website: Panshanger Park

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

3. Learn about local heritage at Hertford Museum

Visit Hertford Museum and see a stunning collection of more than 100,000 objects. Marvel at the archaeological and ethnological artifacts, photographs, artworks, and ceramics displayed. This museum also features an archive for Addis Company with an extensive collection of toothbrushes, guided tours and workshops, curatorial talks on its collection on site or anywhere you choose, and permanent and temporary exhibitions. By the end of your visit, you will have developed a newfound appreciation for art and history and learned a lot about the cultural and historical heritage of Hertford and other places in Hertfordshire.

Hertford Museum

Address: 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT, United Kingdom

Website: Hertford Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Fri)

4. Marvel at the mid-17th-century mansion at Balls Park

Architecture lovers can head out to Balls Park and see a listed building showcasing artisan mannerist style. The mansion’s construction started in 1637 and sits on over 63 acres (25.5 hectares). The shaded estate paths are great for strolling as you marvel at the natural beauty of the surroundings. Relish the tranquility that comes with walking in this quiet environment as you breathe in some fresh air. This estate also has a field for playing cricket and is the venue for several cricket matches in Hertford. Watching a game would be an exciting addition to your tour.

Balls Park

Address: 17 Hagsdell Rd, Hertford SG13 8BG, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 1:30am; Sun: 8am - 12am

5. Ask for tips and advice at Hertford Tourist Information Centre

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Hertford Tourist Information Centre is the best place to visit when you want to learn about the history and present of Hertford. This center even offers a tour guide who will show you around free of charge. Get ideas on places, events, accommodation options, and activities to do while in this town. The guide will also direct you to the best spots to shop for souvenirs that you can buy as gifts or for memories. Once you have in-depth information, you can decide on places you are interested in visiting.

Hertford Tourist Information Centre

Address: 10-12 The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PX, United Kingdom

Website: Hertford Tourist Information Centre

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

6. Nourish your spiritual side at All Saints' Church, Hertford

All Saints’ Church, Hertford showcases a Victorian perpendicular architectural style. It features a tower with 10 bells, Latin texts engraved on the chancel’s exterior walls, a magnificent East Window, an organ with memorial plaques, and a Memorial Chapel. The exterior is just as gorgeous as the interior. The churchyard has beautiful wildflowers that attract different kinds of birds, chestnut trees, gravestones, and two iron gates. Besides exploring the church and admiring its beauty, you can attend a church service or one of the major concerts that it holds during the year.

All Saints' Church, Hertford

Address: Queen’s Rd, Hertford SG13 8AY, United Kingdom

Website: All Saints’ Church, Hertford

Opening hours: Mon: 3:15pm - 4:30pm; Tue: 10:45am - 12:30pm; Wed: 10:15am - 2:30pm; Thu: 10:30am - 12pm, 2:15pm - 4pm; Sun: 8am - 9am, 10am - 11:30am, 6:30 pm - 8pm (closed on Fri & Sat)

7. See an impressive watermill at Mill Green Museum and Mill

Mill Green Museum and Mill feature a functional wooden watermill that is powered by water from River Lea. Watch as the watermill grinds organic wheat and learn about its history from the millers. The flour is used at a local bakery and is available for purchase. You can also buy grain for your use at home. The museum displays ever-changing local arts and history collections in three exhibition rooms. Unwind in the gardens with the sound of the babbling river in the background as you enjoy a picnic. The Grab & Go Takeaway package is just what you need to complete your visit to this spot.

Mill Green Museum and Mill

Address: Bush Hall Ln, Mill Green, Hatfield AL9 5PD, United Kingdom

Website: Mill Green Museum and Mill

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 2pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Thu - Sat)

Price: From 4 GBP (5 USD per adult); 0.5 GBP (1 USD per child)

8. Have fun observing objects in the sky at Bayfordbury Observatory

Located 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) from University of Hertfordshire, this observatory features different telescopes and planetariums that offer the students unmatched hands-on experience in astronomy. From October to March, Bayfordbury Observatory is open to the public once a month. Visit this spot and enjoy seeing some optical telescopes and using them to observe the sky if the weather allows, meeting the experts and viewing demonstrations on the use of the equipment, attending astronomy talks, and exploring the sky in the planetarium. Book in advance as spaces are limited. Have fun feeling like an astronomer when at Bayfordbury Observatory.

Bayfordbury Observatory

Address: Lower Hatfield Rd, Bayfordbury, Hertford SG13 8LD, United Kingdom

Website: Bayfordbury Observatory

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 8 GBP (11 USD)

9. Drink a refreshing cocktail at The Snug Bar Hertford

Grab your friends and go to this cocktail bar for a fun time. The Snug Bar Hertford offers party packages such as private hires, vegan brunch, and parties for bachelorettes, bachelors, birthdays, work, and anniversaries. Learn how to make three cocktails from the cocktail masterclass. Vince’s kitchen will take care of your food needs. Order appetizers such as calamari and chicken wings or mains such as burgers, Milanese chicken sandwiches, and lasagna to pair with your cocktail. With the many options available, you will find something to please your tastebuds.

The Snug Bar Hertford

Address: 32-36 Railway St, Hertford SG14 1BA, United Kingdom

Website: The Snug Bar Hertford

Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (daily)

10. Treat your tastebuds to finger-licking good food at Lussmanns

Lussmanns offers a bright and contemporary space to dine in. This restaurant strives to offer sustainable dining to everyone by serving farm-to-table dishes. Using high-quality ingredients such as woodland-reared pork, grass-fed and organic beef, MSC sustainable fish, free-range chicken, and organic mutton, the chef prepares delicious meals that will keep you coming back for more. The food menu features kids’ meals, starters, mains, sides, and puddings, while the drinks menu offers wines, tapas, aperitifs, beer and cider, digestifs, non-alcoholic drinks, coffee, and tea. Relish the relaxed ambiance, quality food, and impeccable services that this restaurant provides.

Lussmanns

Address: 83 Fore St, Hertford SG14 1AL, United Kingdom

Website: Lussmanns

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Discover the charms of Hertford

Hertford is a historic town with a lot to offer. Whether you are enjoying scenic walks in parks or dining at restaurants, you will have a great time in this town. Explore the area using our list of the 10 best things to do in Hertford, the UK.